I don't get why the author claims this is a move towards google being more closed. All they ask is that you share back. According to that argument the GPL is on the path to closed source.
It's my data. If I want to bring it to another service, I should be able to — at least, that's what Google has been saying for a long time now. Even if my data is ultimately going to be locked up in this other site, is that not my decision to make?
Edit: I should add that I think a fairer exchange of information between Google and Facebook would be a good thing for users. I just think the way Google is doing this conflicts to some degree with their past mission statements regarding users owning their data.
With an export-to-file, you control your data in every meaningful way, Google has complete control over their product in every meaningful way, and Facebook doesn't get to freeload.
Plus, if they offered to upload from files, it would open up this process to anyone using non-mainstream services who could conceivably export in the same format.
Technically, you can. You can already move your data from Facebook to Google, or any place else. You just can't use an API to do it with. Google isn't imposing conditions on data. Instead, they are imposing restrictions on using it's API to access that data. You might consider it splitting hairs, but it's important.
As a business, I shouldn't be required to build things into my API I don't want, and I shouldn't be required to give access to anyone that asks my API. I should be allowed to build an API as I deem necessary.
While it's beneficial for users to have access to easily transport their data from one service to another, that should be my choice to set up.